Learning Objectives

  1. Identify various therapeutic modalities used to treat cancer with emphasis on chemotherapy and biotherapy.
  2. Describe the investigational process all drugs undergo to gain approval for use.
  3. Review ethical and legal issues related to cancer therapy.
  4. Identify factors affecting response to cancer therapy.
  5. Identify selected commonly used agents, their mechanisms of action, and any unique administration issues.
  6. Discuss safety precautions necessary when handling cytotoxic agents.
  7. Review chemotherapy dose calculations and practice examples.
  8. Identify nursing procedures and interventions for administering cytotoxic and biologic agents.
  9. Discuss two immediate complications of cancer therapy, extravasation and hypersensitivity, and the nursing measures required to prevent and/or reduce these complications.
  10. Identify selected systemic side effects of cytotoxic and biotherapeutic agents and the nursing interventions required to manage these side effects.
  11. Review specific patient and family education that may prevent and/or reduce the impact of systemic side effects.

ONS is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

ONS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #2850.

Accreditation as an American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission provider refers only to its continuing nursing education activities and does not imply ANCC Commission on Accreditation endorsement of any commercial products.

The contact hours earned from this educational opportunity qualify for initial oncology nursing certification and renewal via ONC-PRO. Visit www.oncc.org for complete details on oncology nursing certification.